Decorating
Trend Watch: Every Which Way With Angles and Lines
Move with the times and reimagine geometrics in new and exciting ways – this is a trend in motion
Subtle or loud, angular or rounded, decorating with shapes, lines and patterns can make a dull home interesting. Geometrics have been making their mark in homes for thousands of years, of course. In the past century alone, they have drawn on influences from ancient civilisations, but also take inspiration from the artistic and social trends of the day.
Geometrics are now more popular than ever, but staying at the top of your style game means keeping abreast of the geometric evolution. Follow the lead of designers around the world to see how the latest takes on this timeless trend could bring your house up to speed.
Geometrics are now more popular than ever, but staying at the top of your style game means keeping abreast of the geometric evolution. Follow the lead of designers around the world to see how the latest takes on this timeless trend could bring your house up to speed.
On the floor
The granito tiles that have turned this room into something special manage to be organic and geometric at the same time – overlapping circles form leaf-like shapes. Again, the colour palette is half this floor’s appeal – tone-on-tone colours keep it from looking too busy.
The granito tiles that have turned this room into something special manage to be organic and geometric at the same time – overlapping circles form leaf-like shapes. Again, the colour palette is half this floor’s appeal – tone-on-tone colours keep it from looking too busy.
This Vancouver studio’s Scandinavian style has been given a nudge into one-of-a-kind territory with a patterned floor. It takes courage to apply geometrics beyond the bathroom, but courage is often rewarded with some stunning results.
Browse more Scandi-style home offices
Browse more Scandi-style home offices
Fun with furnishings
If you’re looking at adding a feature rather than turning a whole room upside down with geometrics, colour can be used with abandon. Consider having an armchair, ottoman or bedhead upholstered in a bold, geometric fabric. The test for success? It just has to make you smile.
Artist Bertjan Pot reworked this iconic Utrecht armchair from 1935 with the help of geometrics. The limited-edition armchair, from Cassina, has been covered in Boxblocks fabric featuring a balanced pattern in which the triangle combinations are never repeated.
If you’re looking at adding a feature rather than turning a whole room upside down with geometrics, colour can be used with abandon. Consider having an armchair, ottoman or bedhead upholstered in a bold, geometric fabric. The test for success? It just has to make you smile.
Artist Bertjan Pot reworked this iconic Utrecht armchair from 1935 with the help of geometrics. The limited-edition armchair, from Cassina, has been covered in Boxblocks fabric featuring a balanced pattern in which the triangle combinations are never repeated.
Soft furnishings are an easy way to update your style with geometrics, whether with cushions …
… or rugs.
Geometric shelving adds just enough interest to stop a scheme looking ho-hum, without stealing the show.
Geometrics are all around us – in pattern but also in form. Rounded corners soften the angles and lines in these Babila chairs from Pedrali. We first spotted these at this year’s Milan furniture fair, Salone del Mobile.
Bathroom moves
The trend can also be seen in the shapely curves of these bathroom mirrors, which make a dramatic departure from the rectangular mirrors we’ve never thought twice about. These sculptural mirrors by Norwegian designers Anderssen & Voll are available through Muuto. Hanging the mirrors in groups of two or more makes more of this modern take on geometric forms.
The trend can also be seen in the shapely curves of these bathroom mirrors, which make a dramatic departure from the rectangular mirrors we’ve never thought twice about. These sculptural mirrors by Norwegian designers Anderssen & Voll are available through Muuto. Hanging the mirrors in groups of two or more makes more of this modern take on geometric forms.
Angles and lines create the optical illusion that the edges are sliding away in this bathroom. The Rapsel range also includes a matching bath with the same mix of strong design and functionality.
Tinkering with tiles
A white tiled splashback is nothing new but geometrics turns it into something out of the ordinary. Go for dark grout lines to highlight detail …
A white tiled splashback is nothing new but geometrics turns it into something out of the ordinary. Go for dark grout lines to highlight detail …
… or match grout to tiles to add texture and interest in a subtle way.
Architecture
Incorporating geometrics into design is well worth considering if you’re building or renovating, or doing up an outdoor area. The triangular forms make this backyard so much more appealing than a run-of-the-mill deck and pool area.
Incorporating geometrics into design is well worth considering if you’re building or renovating, or doing up an outdoor area. The triangular forms make this backyard so much more appealing than a run-of-the-mill deck and pool area.
If you’ve got the space and budget, letting angles lead the way can really pay dividends, as the architect of this Auckland home clearly knows.
Wallpaper
Geometrics need not be limited to the grown-up areas of the house. A wallpapered feature wall like this one adds fun galore … and is easily updated to a more mature theme when kids enter a new phase.
Geometrics need not be limited to the grown-up areas of the house. A wallpapered feature wall like this one adds fun galore … and is easily updated to a more mature theme when kids enter a new phase.
When you’re looking to update a zone for grown-ups, geometric wallpaper can deliver a three-dimensional effect with far more elegance and sophistication than a blank wall could ever offer.
YOUR SAY
How have you used geometrics at home? Share a photo or tell us about it in the Comments below.
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YOUR SAY
How have you used geometrics at home? Share a photo or tell us about it in the Comments below.
MORE
Browse more trend stories
Layering tried-and-true geometrics in a room reflects a decorator who can mix and match with confidence. The retro bed in this room, for example, is a bold statement but its impact is tempered with lines darting in every direction on the wall, floor, rug, and in the light fitting.
The secret of this room’s success is its colour palette. Opting for a monochrome look gives you endless freedom to play with form, without it having to compete with colour.